Bidders emerge for the bread brands of Hostess

BIDDEFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A newspaper is reporting that two food industry firms, Flowers Foods and Bimbo, are emerging as bidders for the bread brands of Hostess, which is in the midst of a bankruptcy-court liquidation of its assets.

Hostess went into bankruptcy in late November as workers in plants across the country, including in Biddeford, protested over contract negotiations.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Hostess could reveal as early as next week that Flowers and Bimbo are in discussions to acquire the bread brands, which include Wonder Bread and Nature's Pride.

The report says the brands could command 350-million dollars.

Hostess is selling its brands, which also include Twinkies, along with its 33 bakeries and other operations.